Odel Offiah close to Hearts transfer with Brighton defender at Tynecastle for Europa League clash

It seems Hearts are close to agreeing a deal to sign Odel Offiah with the Brighton defender at their game tonight.

The Jambos take on Rosenborg in the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. They trail 2-1 from the first leg and must turn things around if they are to progress to face either Hajduk Split or PAOK in the playoff round for a chance to reach the group stage again this year.

Cover at right back has been sought all summer after the departure of Michael Smith under freedom of contract. Nathaniel Atkinson is now first choice but options are thin on the ground for when the Aussie is unavailable. Offiah has been confirmed as a target by head coach Frankie McAvoy, with the 20-year-old able to operate at right back or centre back. Hearts have done business with the Seagulls before, signing Alex Cochrane initially on loan, then on a permanent basis from the English Premier League club. Technical director David Weir's relationship with the capital club has proved advantageous.

McAvoy said of Hearts' interest: “We’ve looked at him. He is a big, strong, powerful defender who is quick and he is one we are really interested in getting through the door.

“Joe (Hearts’ sporting director Joe Savage) and Naisy (Hearts technical director Steven Naismith) will deal with the recruitment side of things but we like him and, if we can get him in here, we think he will be a good asset to the squad.”

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